The Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) Central Laboratory in Plymouth, Michigan, stands out for its world-class material testing capabilities that cover a range of performance measures. Its three separate laboratories – the analytical, mechanical and physical test laboratories – are busy round the clock running tests that cover an extensive list of material and component attributes. Now the Central Lab has another distinction: For the first time in its history, all three lab operations are being run by female managers. Ursula Oyer, Jackie Schwark and Heather Shuman each oversee key operational functions in material and component testing.
The roles of these three women are not only a testament to FST’s dedication to diversity and inclusion– where special attention is given to the early identification of female talent, the targeted career promotion of women into top leadership positions and the networking of women within the company – but also are testament to the women themselves.
Ryan Fleming, Manager of Material Test Lab Operations for FST, says the unique skills that each manager brings to her job not only benefit their individual laboratories but also the Central Lab’s capabilities as a whole.
“Teamwork is so vital to the testing we do because each project we’re presented with can have many different needs that require close coordination to utilize the specific expertise of each lab,” said Fleming. “Each of these women and their distinctive strengths – such as Jackie’s experience in quality, Ursula’s strong background in coatings and materials, and Heather’s hands-on testing knowledge – have created a great dynamic that works very well.”
Fleming adds that coordinated teamwork is especially crucial as the lab supports Freudenberg in its shift into areas such as the e-mobility space. “As we work toward adding expanded test capabilities, especially in the area of battery, fuel cell and flame testing, the cross-lab coordination has been more essential than ever, as it is such an important focus area for the company,” Fleming said.
To give insight into their roles, Oyer, Schwark and Shuman took some time to explain their responsibilities, what a typical workday looks like for them and give a snapshot of their lives outside the lab.
Ursula Oyer
Manager, Physical Testing Lab
My role as manager for the Physical Testing Laboratory involves coordinating projects for internal and external customers that range from annual validation testing and the testing of new materials and applications to investigating new equipment to ensure the lab maintains and builds its world-class capabilities – especially in the face of emerging needs for new materials that work in an e-mobility environment. As technology is changing so quickly, we must also move quickly to meet the demands of the market.
I also manage the Adhesives Laboratory and specialize in developing Freudenberg’s surface technology requirements, such as bonding materials, new adhesives, coatings, and pre-treatments and other applications that will result in new growth and business opportunities.
My days start early, around 6:30 a.m., so I can address any lab concerns or equipment issues first and foremost, before diving into coordination and project specifics. On any given day, my responsibilities can include approving incoming projects, managing lab budgets, coordinating testing needs, managing the testing team as well as new equipment, repairs and calibrations, communicating with external and internal customers on test results, and more.
I really enjoy learning and working in a diverse and global environment and Freudenberg has given me that opportunity. Since I began at the company, I’ve been exposed to surface technology and new adhesives and coatings, which has helped me build an understanding of the testing needs for the company both now and in the future as new materials are developed. I also get to collaborate with very talented and amazing people as we work together to manage the testing needs for new development projects.
On my days off, I very much enjoy being outside and working in my yard. My kids have played sports for a long time and I have spent a lot of time watching football, baseball, cheerleading and softball. We have had opportunities to travel all over the county for their sports – especially recently, as there has been a lot of traveling as my daughter finishes her travel softball career and moves to play college softball.
Jackie Schwark
Manager, Analytical Lab
In my role, I oversee the Analytical Lab, which supports all North American Lead Centers. The work our team does is constantly evolving to meet Lead Center needs – we work to solve the high-level puzzles that allow us to best support them and new development projects.
My daily responsibilities are mainly focused on communication with internal and external requestors, approving and assigning projects, creating project quotes, working with chemists to establish and complete method development projects, and researching new technologies and instrumentation with cooperation from the Technology & Innovation team. I also oversee lab requirements related to internal quality standards and IATF 16949 requirements.
As a company, Freudenberg has really given me space to grow and learn, and I have been entrusted with a great deal of autonomy. I find the challenging pace of innovation and development such an integral part of the company. It’s a guiding principle and one that keeps us a leader in the industry. In my work specifically, it pushes our analytical work to stay on the leading edge. It’s an exciting atmosphere and the people I’ve worked with have been incredibly cooperative, supportive and knowledgeable.
Outside of the lab, I spend most of my time off with my family, and my two children keep me very busy. When I have time to myself, I enjoy gardening, which can be a tricky hobby in Michigan. When the weather cooperates between May and September, it’s very enjoyable for me.
Heather Shuman
Manager, Mechanical Lab
I’m responsible for overseeing the Mechanical Lab group, where we fulfill customer needs and help develop and evaluate new testing methods and equipment. We test materials and parts for development by testing characteristics like high temperature, battery compatibility, fuel cell compatibility, cyclic loading and metrology, among others. As a lab team, it’s an exciting time as we expand into battery and flame barrier testing. This is an area I’m very energized about, as I see how it can be applied across a range of products and there are many future opportunities to broaden our capabilities.
Day-to-day, I can be found supporting a variety of projects, including data analysis, metrology programming and testing requirements. Part of what I like best about my role is that there is a good mix of tasks and projects to keep things interesting. I’ve had a very versatile career at Freudenberg, from advanced product development to computer-aided engineering and now the lab. All my positions have helped me build my skills and the variety I’ve been able to experience has made things extremely engaging.
Most importantly, my Freudenberg co-workers are friendly people who want to work together to achieve goals and support each other to improve. That supportive atmosphere is so important, especially when it comes to the most demanding aspect of my job – Freudenberg’s dedication to continuous improvement. That dedication can present big challenges to surmount but it also makes working together to achieve our goals even more rewarding and interesting.
Those challenges also help bolster one thing I like best about Freudenberg, and that’s the company’s ability to adapt and expand based on industry evolution and disruption, such as our shift from focusing on internal combustion engines to EVs and alternative energy sources.
During my downtime, you can usually find me with my boys camping. Napping in a hammock is pretty nice, too!
